Far north Queensland has suffered widespread damage after category five Tropical Cyclone Larry crossed the coast near Innisfail this morning, lashing the area with winds of up to 290 kilometers an hour.

Welshman David Davies confirmed he was in form to end Australia's proud unbeaten record in the men's 1,500 metres freestyle at the Commonwealth Games with the fastest heat time ahead of Tuesday's final.

A plan to protect the vulnerable grey crowned babbler bird around the town of Gloucester, west of Forster-Tuncurry on the NSW mid north coast, could impact on surrounding landowners, according to the local council.